Betta Fish Keep Dieing

Question
 I have had a problem keeping my betta fish alive. I will have a fish for only a few days before it dies.
 I had my fish with a plant and vase set up. The first day that fish is fine and seems healthy. Within two days the fish gets a white, cotton like film over it, and dies.
 I was informed that it may be the temperature of the water, which is causing stress to the fish, but i feel that is not the case. My mother also got a fish at the time i got my first, and hers is still alive today, in the same conditions as my previous fish.
 What could be causing all of my fish to die?

Answer
Hi Amanda;

Your mother's fish is simply a stronger one than most tend to be. He will eventually have problems too if he remains in a cool environment. Bettas are tropical fish that need warm water (75f to 80f) all the time. Without it they develop fungus or fatal digestive problems. Their poor little bodies just can't work properly under those conditions. They really are better off in aquariums with heaters. It really isn't your fault. You have both been misinformed in order for someone else to make a few bucks. The ones that really pay are the fish.

Here are some web sites to help you know more about them;

http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/anabantids2/p/betta.htm
http://www.bettatalk.com/
http://www.healthybetta.com/
http://groups.msn.com/TheBettaObsession/thelilyvaseadeathtrap.msnw

Followups Welcome

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins

Come on over and join us on the freshwater fish forum at About.com to get even more information too;
http://freshaquarium.about.com/od/questionsanswers/a/naavigateforum.htm

My member name is ChrisR62. See You There!